Enhancing Learning Through the Use of Graphic Organizers ... · reading level and lack explicit...
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Enhancing Learning Through the Use of Graphic Organizers:
A Review of the Literature
Jacqueline Lubin
Marcelline Sewak
SPED 644, Section A
Dr. Edward Polloway
December 3, 2007
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Anne Ford (2007) once said that “learning disabilities cannot be cured, but they
can be treated successfully” (p. 1). Can teachers actually treat students with learning
disabilities successfully? Is there a tactic that teachers can employ to aid students
understand and grasp content? Years and years of research have indicated that students
with learning disabilities (LD) face significant challenges in comprehending and
organizing information from text. Students encounter greater difficulty at the advanced
reading stage (reading to learn) because there is an increase in the amount of information
in the content areas that they are expected to master (Gajria, Jitendra, Sood and Sacks,
2007).
One of the problematic areas for children with learning disabilities is the
manner in which textbooks are written. Very often textbooks are written above student’s
reading level and lack explicit organization of concepts. As a result, students are unable
to make sense of vocabulary, text patterns and structure. They are faced with the ultimate
challenge of extracting meaning from text/content. This is where graphic organizers come
to the rescue. Gajria et al. (2007) elaborated that graphic organizers make material that
are difficult to understand more accessible to students with learning disabilities. This
technique “helps students understand where they have been, where they are and where
they are going to on their journey through content” (Boudah, Lenz, Bulgren, Schumaker
& Deshler, 2000, p. 2). In short, graphic organizers present concepts in a memorable way
that can significantly enhance student’s comprehension of information as well as
acquisition of content in subject areas such as Social Studies and Science.
According to Meyen, Vergason andWhelan (1996) graphic organizers are “visual
displays teachers use to organize information in a manner that makes information easier
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to understand and learn” (p.132). There are several types of graphic organizers. Some
examples include semantic maps, cognitive maps, story maps, concept maps, Venn
diagrams and unit organizers. Researchers agree that graphic organizers are effective
tools that can improve student’s performance in content areas. Therefore, this paper will
delve into answering the following questions:
1. How do graphic organizers enhance comprehension?
2. How can graphic organizers enhance the acquisition of content in Social Studies?
3. Why use graphic organizers in Science?
The paper ends with a discussion on the implications of findings, a brief summary and the
reviewers’ assessment of usefulness and benefits of graphic organizers in enhancing
comprehension and acquisition of content.
How Do Graphic Organizers Enhance Comprehension?
Over the past thirty years, reading comprehension has been one of the major foci of
research. Williams (2005) acknowledged that “children with learning disabilities often
experience severe problems in comprehending … texts despite decoding skills” (p. 8). To
ameliorate this problem, teachers can provide comprehension interventions through the
use of semantic maps, concept diagrams and story maps.
Semantic maps are visual devices that students can use to derive implicit and
explicit meaning from ideas, concepts and details in text (Boyle & Weishaar, 1997).This
strategy increases students’ understanding by helping them acquire, maintain and
organize information. One way that this strategy can be used, is by presenting students
with a completed semantic map depicting the key words and concepts of a passage. They
should then read each paragraph. After finding the main ideas in the passage, students
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should link these key ideas to those on the map. This modus operandi provides the
scaffolding that students with LD require. Research indicates that “semantic maps …
outperformed conventional reading techniques on comprehension tests” (Kim, Vaughn,
Wanzek and Wei, 2004, p. 112).
In addition, the use of semantic maps enables students to focus on key vocabulary
and concepts that will enhance reading comprehension. When using this strategy,
teachers should activate student’s prior knowledge. For instance, in teaching the concept
“whales”, teachers can trigger background knowledge by showing a video on whales and
then allowing students to suggest key words that relate to the topic (See Appendix I).
Students can actively participate in creating a semantic map that depicts major concepts
being studied. A research synthesis conducted by Kim et al. (2004) illustrated that
semantic organizers when compared to other instructional strategies (e.g., dictionary
instruction) significantly improved comprehension skills of students with learning
disabilities.
Another effective graphic organizer that can be used to improve comprehension skills
is concept diagrams. Concept diagrams visually present the relationship among concepts.
According to Cesarone (2007), concept diagrams are “chart-like graphic that describes a
concept and its various relationships, with general concepts at the top, supporting
concepts at the bottom, and lines showing the connections between the concepts” (p.
191). This method enables students to add new information to existing schema. Cesarone
(2007) recommended that concept diagrams be used with students with LD, as these
students encounter tremendous difficulty in expressing and linking ideas. Moreover, this
technique can be used to evaluate students understanding of information, by asking
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students to create their own concept diagrams. This would enable the teacher to see
“misdirected links or wrong connections” (Helfgott, 2007, p. 1). Helfgott (2007)
elaborated that concept diagrams provide an “accurate, objective way to evaluate areas
students have not grasped” (p. 1). The multiple ways that this strategy can be used to
increase comprehension makes it a necessary tool in all classrooms.
Furthermore, concept diagrams allow students to focus on pivotal concepts
necessary to enhance comprehension. It facilitates understanding of definitions,
characteristics and uses of concepts (Vaughn & Edmonds, 2006). The following
procedures can be used when implementing concept diagrams. After reading a passage,
students are presented with a blank concept diagram. The teacher explains the various
parts of the diagram; and together (both teacher and students) highlights the principal
concepts in the passage. This can be done through overt modeling. Students can be
prompted to furnish instances and non-instances of the concept. This will facilitate active
involvement as they write the concepts on the diagrams (Vaughn & Edmonds, 2006). An
example of a concept diagram can be seen in Appendix II.
Finally, the use of story maps has been proven effective in improving reading
comprehension with students with learning disabilities. This strategy allows students to
systematically identify important story elements such as characters, plot and setting.
DiCecco and Gleason (2002) stated that story maps improve students’ literal,
interpretative and applied comprehension skills. They elaborated that this method assists
in learning new vocabulary as well as recall information from a story. In fact, it helps
students pay attention to important parts of a story. One way to use this approach is by
the teacher reading a story and stopping at strategic points. Each stop contains questions
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that will aid students in identifying the relevant parts of the story. Students should be
provided with immediate feedback as to help them understand new information correctly.
Story maps activate prior knowledge before reading, help student monitor comprehension
during reading and summarize key ideas after reading. It is an instructional device that
reconstructs and builds schema. An example is provided in Appendix III.
In addition, story maps assist students in integrating previous knowledge with
existing knowledge (Keel, Dangel &Owens, 1999). This method connects the elements so
that students can better understand the beginning, middle and end of a story. Sorrel
(1990) stated that story maps help students clarify concepts, make predictions and
summarize key points. As a result, students are better able to give more comprehensive
explanations of the setting, characters, plot, problem and resolution of a story. A study
conducted by Idol (1987) reported that poor readers were able to successfully use story
maps in identifying the elements of a story. This suggests that story maps are effective
tools that can enhance students’ comprehension skills.
Studies show that graphic organizers, such as semantic maps, story maps and concept
diagrams, are effective tools in improving comprehension of students with LD
(Boulineau, Fore, Hagan-Burke and Burke, 2004; Kim et al., 2004). These graphic
organizers go beyond assisting in the acquisition of information but also help students to
develop, maintain and generalize skills (Boulineau et al, 2004). Research has shown that
teachers who use graphic organizers can significantly improve comprehension skills of
students with LD (Bulgren, Deshler & Lenz, 2007). Therefore, educators must consider
the use of graphic organizers as a means of aiding students derive meaning from text
(Duke & Pearson, 2002).
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How Can Graphic Organizers Enhance the
Acquisition of Content in Social Studies?
There is considerable evidence that graphic organizers are ideal methods for
presenting large amount of data in a simplified manner (Gallavan and Kottler, 2007).
Because of the magnitude of concepts in Social Studies, many educators struggle with
presenting ideas in the specified period of time. Research shows that limited time equates
to limited achievement. Therefore, graphic organizers are efficient ways to maximize
engage time and thus increase learning in Social Studies. Gallavan and Kottler (2007)
noted that “students become more motivated, demonstrate faster short term recall and
greater long-term achievement when [graphic] organizers are used effectively in Social
Studies” (p. 117). Social Studies lessons become more authentic and practical as students
make relationship among concepts. This empowers them to be strategic learners and
independent thinkers. They are able to make reasoned and informed decisions, share
ideas and thus achieve the goal of Social Studies; which is, to become competent
members of society.
According to Gallavan and Kottler (2007), there are several graphic organizers
that can be used to enhance Social Studies content (p. 118-119). They include:
Assume and Anticipate- This triggers background knowledge and interest and
thus gets students involved in the learning process. (Appendix IV- A)
Position and Pattern- It assists students in seeing connection between ideas and
hence identify cause and effect relationships. (Appendix IV- B)
Group and Organize- It uses smaller ideas to generate big ideas as students
analyze and synthesize concepts. (Appendix IV-C)
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Compare and Contrast- It relates concepts, highlighting the similarities and
differences among ideas. (Appendix IV-D)
Relate and Reason- This helps students develop deductive and inductive
reasoning skills. (Appendix IV-E)
Identify and Imagine- It encompasses students naming as well as using cognitive
skills (from all levels) to understand concepts. (Appendix IV-F)
Estimate and Evaluate- This assists students in extrapolating, explaining,
differentiating as well as giving different perspective on issues. (Appendix IV-G)
Combine and Create- Students develop creative skills by actively engaging with
material and creating their own concept maps for key ideas discussed in the class.
(Appendix IV-H)
Graphic organizers make learning Social Studies content manageable. This technique
teaches students how to focus on the critical concepts by organizing and summarizing
key ideas.
During Social Studies lessons, graphic organizers can be used in an unlimited
number of ways. They can be used across the learning stages as well as individually and
in large groups. Ellis (2004) highlighted several steps that educators can employ when
using graphic organizers. They must first explain how the organizer is used. In this way,
students will learn about both how content is organized and how the graphics work in
these visual strategies. Then, there must be modeling on how to use the method, followed
by guided practice. Guided practice can be done in several phases. First, students practice
as an entire class. Here the teacher and all students give ideas on how to complete graphic
organizer. Second, there can be small group practice, where students learn from their
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peers. Lastly, students work with the organizer on their own but get assistance when
needed.
After using the graphic organizers, students will be ready to engage in
independent practice. Here, students have mastered the skill, and can complete and/or
create graphic organizers on their own. Teacher must follow this sequence for each
format introduced. However, it must be noted that graphic organizers must not be
overused as they can create boredom. Alternative formats must be used to keep students
interested in the Social Studies lesson. Ellis (2004) claimed that graphic organizers are
powerful ways to evaluate student’s understanding of content. Therefore, if this visual
technique is used sparingly and effectively, Social Studies teachers should expect to see
positive gains in students’ acquisition of content and thus, in school achievement.
Why Use Graphic Organizers in Science?
The teaching of Science is a rather challenging task for many teachers (Sorgo,
2006). This is so for many reasons. First, Science is a subject pregnant with abstract
concepts, units of measurements, graphs, experiments, application of ideas and practical
activities. Learning isolated facts do not equip students with the skills necessary to be
successful at the Science lesson. Because concepts are interrelated, content may seem
overwhelming to students with learning disabilities. Second, many students enter the
Science classroom with preconceived notions of what things are and how they work.
Science is all around us and so this frequent encounter of concepts leads to the
development of many misconceptions. These misconceptions are based on cultural
beliefs, commercials, personal interpretations and religious beliefs. Third, science
textbooks contain difficult vocabulary and puzzling explanations of concepts that make
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them problematic to comprehend (Kinniburg & Shaw, 2007). One way teachers can
combat these problems is through the use of graphic organizers.
Shmaefsky (2007) explained that graphic organizers such as concept maps
enhance the acquisition and application of scientific skills. A concept map gives a visual
picture of the relationship among concepts (See Appendix V). It stimulates students’
prior knowledge and thus leads to authentic, meaningful learning. This approach assists
students in conceptualizing and remembering factual information. Moreover, it can be
used as a learning strategy where students solve problems inductively and deductively,
actively think through task, and apply information to everyday situation. Because this
visual strategy can accomplish all those science goals in a relatively short period of time,
it should be implemented in Science classrooms.
Mautone and Mayer (2007) agree that concrete graphic organizers can assist
students in organizing and making relationships among ideas. This strategy makes the
information less vague and ambiguous. It helps students focus on relevant details. As
Ellis (2004) noted it “reduces the cognitive demand on the learner” (p. 1). Thus, the use
of graphic organizers increases the likelihood that students will retain the information
presented. The ripple effect is that there is more time for learning. As students are
bombarded with less data, more time is available to process new concepts. Consequently,
students can become more reflective and goal directed learners. The probability of being
successful at the learning task is enhanced. Success breeds confidence, and confidence
leads to increase attempts at difficult tasks. Science lessons include perseverance and
inquiry skills. It can be concluded that graphic organizers help develop skills that may
create tomorrow’s scientists.
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Ellis (2004) explained that graphic organizers help students become strategic
learners. This is the ultimate goal of teaching. As students learn new concepts and try to
make connections, they develop higher order thinking skills. In Science classes, these
skills are critical in planning and conducting experiments as well as in investigating
issues. Additionally, graphic organizers present content in a combination of ways-
visually, orally and aurally. This multiple presentation mode engages more students in the
Science lesson. Science class is filled with authentic experiences such as how home
appliances work, how the body functions, and the phases of the moon. Hence, graphic
organizers equip students with ways to understand and use resources in their environment
efficiently. Students will be better equipped to tackle today’s challenges as well as those
that await them in the future. The use of graphic organizers helps students access Science
information and maybe create a greater love for the world we live in.
Hutchison and Padgett (2007) noted that “great teaching is artful when students
get information into their memory in an organized fashion to facilitate later retrieval” (p.
69). Graphic organizers help achieve just that. Moreover, it assists students in dispelling
misconceptions; discovering meanings from difficult scientific words and formulating
connections between ideas. Science education is complex but graphic organizers simplify
it. The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act requires that science skills and knowledge be
tested (Kinniburgh & Shaw, 2007). Therefore, teachers should make use of graphic
organizers because of its multiple benefits. This strategy motivates students to want to
learn Science and thus create a love for the subject. Graphic organizers follow on
Ausubel’s (1960) theory of how learning takes place. However, educators must use this
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strategy with caution as Hutchison and Padgett (2007) warned “a graphic organizer is
only as powerful as its creators is capable of making it clearly capture the facts” (p. 72).
Discussion
The literature review supports the assertion that graphic organizers are
scientifically based and empirically validated tools that “facilitate(s) learning for most
students in … reading comprehension and content areas across a wide range of ages,
grades and learning abilities” (Ellis & Howard, 2007, p.1). Graphic organizers are
valuable instructional instruments that improve learning no matter the cognitive maturity,
learning style or experience of the learner. The literature showed that when students are
using graphic organizers, they tend to be motivated and thus better assimilate novel
information and complete complex tasks (Ellis, 2004). Therefore, educators should make
a concerted effort to use this priceless method as to cater for individual differences,
abilities and preferences. However, the effectiveness of instruction will depend on
teachers’ skills and knowledge in the development and use of graphic organizers
(Hutchison & Padgett, 2007). Maximum gains can only be derived if teachers are
equipped with the ability to use the strategy.
Another implication for teaching is that graphic organizers cater to learning
taking place across modalities. This strategy lends itself to students creating,
manipulating, visualizing, recording, recalling, and expressing understanding of concepts.
It activates the learner’s cognitive skills, while at the same time triggers the use of tactile
and visual abilities to make sense of information (Ellis & Howard, 2007). Graphic
organizers not only improve comprehension but allow students to connect diverse and
comprehensive text in a stratified and simplified manner. Upper grade level teachers
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serve to benefit greatly from the implementation of this technique because it provides
them with a way to teach lots of content in a fun and productive way (Gallavan & Kottler,
2007). The literature revealed that teachers of both Social Studies and Science have used
graphic organizers to condense content to produce great improvement in the acquisition
as well as the maintenance and generalization of concepts.
Additionally, graphic organizers cater to the multi-faceted classroom as it enhances
teacher instruction plus student performance. This strategy provides instant feedback
(DiCecco & Gleason, 2002). As a result, teaching can be modified to suit learner’s needs
and so allows educators to be reflective. Also, many studies on the use graphic organizer
in the classroom have shown that it can lead to positive gains for students (Boulineau et
al., 2004; Gallavan & Kottler, 2007). It moves instruction from teacher-directed to
student-directed. Students learn how to derive meaning from text, how to focus on key
points and how to connect ideas. In short, it can help to teach children metacognitive
skills that can be applied to various situations. Consequently, it is incumbent on educators
to use such a strategy that will not only maximize engaged time but also develop
independent learners.
The literature on graphic organizers has been very encouraging in improving
students’ comprehension, acquisition and maintenance of information in content areas.
Studies continue to reveal remarkable improvement in students’ performance when
graphic organizers are used (Boulineau et al, 2004, Gajria et al, 2007). Thus, the
reviewers strongly believe that graphic organizers are effective instructional methods that
should be implemented in the classroom. The reviewers hold this belief because of the
key points highlighted in literature. This technique is a motivational tool that gets
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students actively involve in the learning process. Even when content seem difficult, this
technique captivates students’ attention and interest, thus motivating them to remain on
task (Gajria et al, 2007).
In addition, graphic organizers help students to maintain content even after
instruction has ended (Boulineau et al., 2004). One of the key components of effective
instruction is that students are able to acquire, become proficient, maintain and generalize
what is learned. Graphic organizers meet these criteria perfectly. Boulineau et al. (2004)
acknowledged that graphic organizers teach across the learning stages. Because of the
numerous benefits, educators should use this strategy especially with students with
learning disabilities as they encounter great difficulties at the latter part of the learning
stages.
Another implication is that graphic organizers are instructional methods that are
very flexible and cost effective. They can be computer-generated or teacher-made or
student-made (Boyle & Weishaar, 1997). However, teacher and student-made organizers
are not only fun but fosters creativity in both teachers and students. Everyday materials
can be used during the creation process. Students not only learn concepts but other skills,
such as recycling and maximizing resources. Hence, graphic organizers develop the
whole child. This would comply with Heward’s (2003) definition of creativity in which
teachers develop materials and activities that will lead to learning. The creation of
graphic organizers allows educators to strategically monitor and analyze student’s
interaction with text (Helfgoft, 2007). As a result, enables them to intervene before the
development of misconceptions.
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The researchers believe that graphic organizers are great tools for remembering
information and an excellent technique that can assist students with learning disabilities,
especially secondary school students. Gajria et al. (2007) agree that students with LD can
benefit from graphic organizers as many, often are unprepared to access information
independently. Teachers must therefore use effective strategies to improve performance
of all students. As Engelmann (1992) correctly stated:
teachers are in the classrooms as professionals to do a job; children are not in the
schools to be pawns for educators who want to try one unproven method after
another because of fad, fashion or creative whim (as cited in Heward, 2003, p.197).
Therefore, graphic organizers consistently have been proven to be effective. It has
highlighted that quantity of content is no deterrent to learning. Research studies have
proven this method is effective, teachers have proven that it works and students have
proven that they learn from it. Thus, the question lies with the reader- What else must be
said? What more do teachers need? Graphic organizers can unlock many doors.
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Heward, W.L. (2003). Ten faulty notions about teaching and learning that hinder the
effectiveness of special education. The Journal of Special Education, 36, 186-205.
Idol, L. (1987). Group story mapping: A comprehensive strategy for both skilled and
unskilled readers. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 20, 196-205.
Keel, M. C., Dangel, H. L., & Owens, S. H.(1999). Selecting instructional intervention
for students with mild disabilities in inclusive classrooms: Focus on Exceptional
Children, 31, 1-16.
Kim, A., Vaughn, S., Wanzek, J., &Wei, S. (2004). Graphic organizers and their effects
on reading comprehension of students with LD: A synthesis of research. Journal of
Learning Disabilities, 37, 105-118.
Kinniburg, L. & Shaw, E. (2007). Building fluency in elementary science through
reader’s theatre. Science Activities 44, 16-22.
Mautone, P.D., & Mayer R.E. (2007). Cognitive aids for guiding graph comprehension.
Journal of Education Psychology, 99, 640-652.
Meyen E. L., Vergason, G.A. & Whelan. R. J. (1996). Strategies for teaching exceptional
children in inclusive settings. Denver, CO: Love.
Shmaefsky, B. (2007). E-concept mapping. Journal of College Science Teaching 36 (4),
14-15.
Sorgo, A. (2006). Dichotomous identification keys: A ladder to higher order knowledge
about the human body. Science Activities 43, 17-20.
Sorrel, A.L. (1990). Three reading comprehension strategies: TELLS, story mapping, and
QARs. Academic Therapy, 25, 359-368.
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Vaughn, S. & Edmonds, M. (2006). Reading comprehension for older readers.
Intervention in School and Clinic, 41, 131-137.
Williams, J.P. (2005). Instruction in reading comprehension for primary-grade students:
A focus on text structure. The Journal of Special Education, 39, 6-18.
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APPENDIX I
Source: Vaughn, S. & Edmonds, M. (2006). Reading comprehension for older readers. Intervention in
School and Clinic, 41, 135.
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APPENDIX II
Source: Vaughn, S. & Edmonds, M. (2006). Reading comprehension for older readers. Intervention in
School and Clinic, 41, 136.
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APPENDIX III
Source: Boulineau, T., Fore III, C., Hagan-Burke. S., & Burke, M. D. (2004). Use of story- mapping to
increase the story-grammar text comprehension of elementary students with learning disabilities. Learning
Disabilities Quarterly, 27, 108.
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APPENDIX IV
Source: Gallavan, N. P., & Kottler, E. (2007). Eight types of graphic organizers for empowering social
studies students and teachers. The Social Studies, 98(3), 120.
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APPENDIX IV
Source: Gallavan, N. P., & Kottler, E. (2007). Eight types of graphic organizers for empowering social
studies students and teachers. The Social Studies, 98(3), 120.
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APPENDIX IV
Source: Gallavan, N. P., & Kottler, E. (2007). Eight types of graphic organizers for empowering social
studies students and teachers. The Social Studies, 98(3), 121.
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APPENDIX IV
Source: Gallavan, N. P., & Kottler, E. (2007). Eight types of graphic organizers for empowering social
studies students and teachers. The Social Studies, 98(3), 121.
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APPENDIX IV
Source: Gallavan, N. P., & Kottler, E. (2007). Eight types of graphic organizers for empowering social
studies students and teachers. The Social Studies, 98(3), 122.
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APPENDIX IV
Source: Gallavan, N. P., & Kottler, E. (2007). Eight types of graphic organizers for empowering social
studies students and teachers. The Social Studies, 98(3), 122.
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APPENDIX IV
Source: Gallavan, N. P., & Kottler, E. (2007). Eight types of graphic organizers for empowering social
studies students and teachers. The Social Studies, 98(3), 123.
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APPENDIX IV
Source: Gallavan, N. P., & Kottler, E. (2007). Eight types of graphic organizers for empowering social
studies students and teachers. The Social Studies, 98(3), 123.
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APPENDIX V
Source: Helfgott, D. (2007). Concept maps. Retrieved November 10, 2007 from
http://www.inspiration.com/vlearning/index.cfm?fuseaction=concept_maps.
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